Uber Accident Lawyer
Over 35 years of experience. Over $100 million recovered for clients.
New Jersey Uber Accident Injury Lawyer
Abogado de Accidentes de Uber / Lyft
NEW JERSEY UBER ACCIDENT: TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Uber’s Popularity in New Jersey
- What is Required of Uber Drivers?
- What is Required of an Uber Driver's Car?
- Uber Insurance Requirements in New Jersey for Accidents Involving Injuries
- Uber Car Accidents
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately After An Uber Car Accident
- Uber Accident Injuries
- Wrongful Death and Car Accidents
- Why You Should Talk to an Experienced New Jersey Uber Personal Injury Lawyer
- Get Answers About Uber Accidents
- Areas We Serve
Uber Technologies Inc., or Uber, is a transportation network company that has its headquarters in San Francisco, and operates in 570 cities throughout the world. It is also referred to as a transportation network entity (tne). It is involved in the development, marketing and operation of the Uber car transportation and mobile apps, and is the first company to offer ride-hailing. Uber drivers in New Jersey operate their own cars. However, drivers have the option to rent a car to drive with Uber. In spite of its ever-growing popularity, Uber has been the topic of protests, and many personal injury lawsuits throughout New Jersey and the country.
Uber’s Popularity in New Jersey
Uber began attracting passengers at the Jersey Shore in 2013, where it rapidly became a popular mode of transportation for beach goers, according to New Jersey Uber General Manager Josh Mohrer.
When using Uber, you are just a click away from obtaining a ride. You only have to open the app on your phone, and a list of cars in the area appears right away. As one passenger from Point Pleasant describes the experience, there are no inconveniences or difficulties when using Uber. Upon opening your app, you click three buttons, and a driver will be en route to your location immediately. It is unnecessary for you to even know your precise location. The driver receives your coordinates and is given directions by way of GPS.
Learn more about Uber accidents with our Uber accident infographic.
Another benefit of Uber is that there is no need to walk with cash. You can pay using apps such as Venmo and Virtual Wallet. Uber has a direct connection to your credit or debit card, and you can even share the cost of the ride with friends. Additionally, prior to accepting a ride with Uber, you can check the cost by entering your pickup and drop-off addresses in the app.
According to Uber Northeast Communications Lead Matt Wing, the most significant benefit of Uber is its reliability. You only have to be within reasonable distance of an Uber to have a driver arrive at your location to transport you to your destination. Whereas taxis stop by less frequently, an Uber ride is more dependable in that it will not require a lengthy wait. Moreover, upon entering the car, you will be able to check the time at which you are likely to arrive at your destination, and share such information with those who are waiting for you.
Mr. Leonard’s law firm constantly kept in touch and on top of my problems. They were quick to respond to my legal needs and were very attentive and showed real concern to my issues. I highly recommend them to anyone needing legal representation.
– L.W. November 21, 2017
What is Required of Uber Drivers?
In order to become an Uber driver, people must meet certain requirements.
They must be at least 21 years old, and have a minimum of three years’ driving experience.
The insurance for the car must be under their name, and it also has to be in the same state in which they will be driving, and comply with the state’s requirements.
A Social Security number and a background check is necessary. The background check looks for the following:
- DUIs
- history of driving a vehicle while unlicensed
- suspended licenses
- accidents
- reckless driving charges
- history of criminal charges
In most cities in the United States in which Uber operates, drivers do not have to possess a commercial driver license (CDL) in order to be an UberX driver, which is the most basic level of service. However, upon starting the driver application process, instructions are provided as to the class license needed for the selected position.
What is Required of an Uber Driver's Car?
In addition to driver requirements, there are specific criteria that a driver's vehicle must meet.
The vehicle has to be model year 2000 or newer for most cities. Certain cities may have more stringent requirements. For instance, in New Jersey, the model year of the car must be 2002 or newer, and the vehicle must be a four-door car or minivan. The vehicle is required to have seats and seat belts for four passengers, and should have license plates issued by the state. It must not have been previously salvaged or used for taxi-related purposes.
Uber Insurance Requirements in New Jersey for Accidents Involving Injuries
Once an Uber driver accepts a passenger, they must have a commercial car insurance policy with at least $1.5 million in liability coverage for death, bodily injury and property damage. They must also provide uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in an amount of at least $1.5 million, which covers all who occupy the vehicle if another motorist causes an accident and does not have any insurance, or does not have sufficient insurance.
When not providing a pre-arranged ride, an Uber driver must maintain liability insurance for at least $50,000 for death or bodily injury, per person, and $100,000 for death or bodily injury per incident, and $25,000 for property damage.
Limitation on Lawsuit Coverage
IMPORTANT: in New Jersey, if you are in an auto accident, and you have chosen the “limitation on lawsuit option” for your car insurance coverage, you will need to prove that you have sustained a permanent injury based on objective evidence, even if the other driver was at-fault. However, if you are injured in an accident caused by an Uber driver, whether you are a driver or passenger of the other vehicle, or a passenger of an Uber, the limitation on lawsuit option does not apply and you will not need to prove you have sustained a permanent injury. As written in the statute, it states:
“The limitation on lawsuit option set forth in subsection a. of section 8 of P.L.1972, c.70 (C.39:6A-8) shall not be assertable by a transportation network company or a transportation network company driver in any action for damages arising from a prearranged ride, or be asserted against any party not receiving personal injury protection benefits in any action for damages arising from a prearranged ride.”
Uber Car Accidents
There have been some high-profile accidents involving Uber drivers.
One such incident occurred when an Uber driver attempted to make a U-turn in his Chevrolet Cruze. The motorist drove into the path of a Mustang that was already in the median lane, and the Mustang struck the driver’s side of the Chevrolet. While the driver and passenger in the Mustang suffered minor injuries, the Uber driver sustained life-threatening injuries, and his passenger suffered severe injuries. The Uber driver subsequently died from his injuries.
In another accident, an Uber driver was found not guilty of running a red light that caused him to collide into a Seminole County deputy, causing the death of his passenger. The Uber driver had to pay a $1,000 fine, and a six-month suspension of his license.
According to police, in an accident involving a Lamborghini Murcielago and a Porsche 911 convertible, both of which were speeding, the Lamborghini crashed into a Buick Enclave driven by an Uber driver, who was 82 years old. The drivers of the other cars were both over age 60. The accident claimed the life of the Uber driver.
In a bizarre case, an Uber driver was transporting a passenger from Philadelphia to New York, and requested that the passenger take over the wheel so that he could get some sleep. However, the Uber driver awoke from his nap to find his passenger speeding. The passenger explained that the cops were chasing him. Although the Uber driver said that he continually told the passenger to stop the car, the passenger still drove at an excessive rate of speed until he crashed the car into a guard rail.
Seek medical attention immediately after an Uber car accident
If you were injured in an Uber car accident in New Jersey, it is very important that you seek medical attention right away. Visit the emergency room or consult your doctor, especially if you have suffered severe injuries. If your primary care physician is unwilling or unable to treat you following a car accident, then see another doctor or go to the emergency room. The sooner you obtain medical treatment for your injuries, the better you will be able to handle any issues that may arise.
Serious Uber Accident Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Fractured Bones
- Nerve Injuries
- Herniated Discs
- Amputations
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries
- Rotator Cuff Injuries
- Loss of Vision / Eye Injuries
Uber Accident Injuries
Accidents involving an Uber vehicle may cause serious injuries requiring hospitalization, permanent disability or can prove to be fatal. We have helped our clients and their families following a wide variety of Uber accident-related injuries. If you have been seriously injured in an accident involving an Uber vehicle, contact the experienced New Jersey Uber accident attorneys at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm to protect your rights.
Most Common Uber Accident Injuries in New Jersey
Uber accidents can cause serious injuries or wrongful death. According to the NHTSA, there were a total of 559 traffic fatalities in the state of New Jersey.
The most common Uber accident injuries are:
- Bruising & Contusions
- Scrapes & Cuts
- Whiplash
- Neck & Back Injuries
- Head Injuries & Concussion
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Chest Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Internal Bleeding
Wrongful Death and Car Accidents
One of the leading causes of wrongful deaths are accidents caused by motor vehicles, whether it is from distracted driving, running red lights or stop signs, or dangerous road conditions. These fatal car accidents can involve other cars, Uber drivers, or other rideshare vehicles, motorcycles, buses and trucks, delivery drivers, as well as pedestrians.
Even if you feel fine or believe that your injuries are not serious, certain symptoms may not manifest themselves until days after the accident. Among them are:
- pain
- discomfort
- dizziness
- feelings of numbness
If you wait to seek medical attention until many days or weeks after the accident, it will be more difficult to prove that your injuries resulted from the motor vehicle crash. Obtaining medical attention right away will only serve to bolster your personal injury claim.
It is imperative that you document the names and addresses of all treating physicians, physical therapists, chiropractors and other health care professionals who treat you for the injuries you sustain. You may need to produce them at a later date in the event you decide to file a claim and/or a personal injury lawsuit. Such information will be necessary in securing full reimbursement of your medical expenses from the insurance company.
A class act. I could not have been happier with my experience at Todd Leonard Law. The whole team worked tirelessly on my case in the most respectful, professional way. They communicated with me regularly and made a horrible situation much easier to deal with, resulting in a settlement that I was very satisfied with. I can't say enough good things about their office and their team and their timeliness. THANK YOU!
– S. K. October 22, 2019
Why You Should Talk to an Experienced New Jersey Uber Personal Injury Lawyer
After a car accident, you should talk to a lawyer, particularly if you are injured, or you lose time from work, school or household responsibilities. Even if you are not injured, you should consult an attorney if any of the following occur:
- fault is an issue
- a fatality resulted from the accident
- the accident took place in a construction area
- a police report does not correctly depict the accident, and states that you are liable
- you have no insurance
- your insurer is represented by its own attorney
Todd J. Leonard Law Firm will advocate for your rights after you were injured in an Uber accident
The attorneys at Todd J. Leonard Law Firm will review with you how the accident involving an Uber driver happened, and conduct a thorough investigation into the cause. They will also advocate tirelessly for your rights, and will do their best to hold the responsible party or parties liable for causing the accident that resulted in your injuries.
Get Answers About Uber Accidents
- Fatal Uber Accidents
- New Jersey Uber Sexual Assault Attorney
- Uber Accident at Newark Liberty International Airport
- Uber Accident Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I Sue The Uber Driver If They Hit Me?
- Does Uber’s Insurance Cover The Accident or Does The Driver’s Personal Insurance?
- I Was Hit by an Uber Driver, However, He Wasn’t on the Clock When He Hit Me. Does Uber’s Insurance Cover The Accident?
- I Was Hit by an Uber Driver. What Do I Do Now?
- I Was in an Accident With An Uber Driver, What Do I Do?
- I’m A Pedestrian Who Was Hit by an Uber Driver, What Should I Do?
- I’m An Uber Driver and Another Vehicle Crashed Into My Car. What Do I Do?
- If I Was Injured in an Accident Involving An Uber Driver, Who Is My Lawsuit Going After If I Sue?
- If I’m Hit By An Uber Driver, How Do You Determine How Much I Should Get?
- If I’m Hit by an Uber Driver, What Types of Damages Can I Get?
- Is Raiser, LLC Actually Uber?
- What Should I Do If I Am A Passenger in an Uber or Lyft Car Accident in New Jersey?
- When The Uber Driver Does Not Have A Passenger, Yet Is Logged into the Uber App and Is Looking For Passengers, Is The Insurance Coverage Different?
- Uber Accidents in New Jersey By the Numbers
- Uber Accidents Involving an Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist
Uber Accident Areas We Serve
New Jersey Uber Accident Infographics
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